LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University men's soccer (2-1-1) starts its Great Lakes Valley Conference season this weekend with a home-away split, taking on Lewis at Leemon on Friday, September 16, as they head across to No.25 Indianapolis on Sunday, September 18. McKendree comes out of a tough non-conference slate where three of four games were on the road, going unbeaten away from home. The Bearcats return to action after a lengthy break between games, dropping their last contest to Christian Brothers at Leemon Field, 1-0, but look to open conference play with a win, as they did in 2021.

THIS SEASON
McKendree began the 2022 campaign with vigor as they traveled to Ohio Dominican in late August and defeated the host in ODU, 2-0, and took down then-No.15 Lake Erie two days after the ODU win. The Bearcats won both of their season-opening matchups behind freshmen scoring feats as forward Stephan Stuebbe scored both against the Panthers while forward Dayton Strattman and midfielder Gabe Hallsten each fired their own collegiate firsts. All McKendree goals have been assisted on this fall with sophomore midfielder Philipp Schmidt  dishing out three assists and freshman midfielder Rhys Davies sending out his first collegiate assist. 

The Bearcats have held opponents to just one score in five games behind a strong defensive presence, allowing just 11 shots on goal with an on-frame percentage of .344, eight shots per game by opposing forces, and just 11 earned corners. The net has been held by sophomore Anthony Swenson for full time this year (360 minutes) with 10 saves and a save percentage of 0.909. 

In the league, the Bearcats have multiple individuals ranking among the leaders statistically with Stuebbe sitting tied for fourth in goals (2), tied for fifth in goals per game (0.50) while Schmidt is tied for second in assists (3) and tied for first in assists per game (0.75). 

PREVIEW vs. Lewis
All-Time Series: 5-4-1, Lewis
The Flyers have split their games so far this year at 2-2-0, winning and losing one at home and on the road. Lewis has been led by Justin Darlage, Zahkar Shkidchenko, and Stefan Ziermann, who have each tallied one goal while Darlage has also dished-out an assist. The goal has been held by Sebastian Doppelhofer for full time this fall with 16 saves and a goals allowed average of 0.75. 

The last time these programs met was September 17, 2021, in Romeoville where Lewis snapped a three-game skid against the Bearcats with a 2-1 win.

PREVIEW @ No.25 UIndy
All-Time Series: 7-1-2, UIndy
UIndy hosts the Bearcats after dropping its GLVC opener against Maryville at home on September 11. The Greyhounds still made it into the latest United Soccer Coaches poll at No.25 with a 2-1-1 slate. The Hounds are led by three individuals in Michael Tselios, Owen Atkinson, and Seth Ward, each of whom has two goals this season. Tselios leads UIndy in points with five behind his pair of goals and one dish-out. Joey Schrand has been the primary keeper this fall with a 1.00 goals allowed average and seven saves, facing 27 shots. 

The last time the two teams met was in Lebanon at Leemon Field on September 19, 2021, where UIndy claimed victory, 5-2, over the Bearcats. 

WEEKEND SLATE

Friday, September 16  | 7:30 PM | vs. Lewis | Lebanon, Illinois | Leemon Field | Watch/Live Stats *GLVC OPENER
Sunday, September 18 | 2:30PM ET/1:30 PM CT | @ Indianapolis | Indianapolis, Indiana | Key Stadium | Watch/Live Stats

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